It's hard to believe I've committed myself to running (just over) 13 miles.  I have never enjoyed running, or even the thought of it; in fact, my college admission essay was based around my dislike of running (somehow that worked, it must have been a miracle or a really good interview).  Still, when the opportunity to run the Seacoast Half Marathon in support of the Safe Kids Strong Teens education program came up, I found myself attending the information sessions, putting my name on an email list, and finally, amazing myself and those close to me by officially signing on.

I've been excited in these past weeks of training to discover what my body can do and to learn that running, once you get used to it, can actually be pretty great.  But what's been most exciting is knowing that I am running to support a program that I really believe in, which was of course my reason for signing up to begin with.  As an educator of young children, I am fortunate enough to spend most of my time with people for whom the world is fresh, exciting, and full of potential.  These children feel inherently safe in their community, knowing that they are loved by those around them and that they deserve to be heard and respected.  This is how they begin their lives and this is the way their lives should continue.  To think that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually assaulted by the time that they turn 18 is unacceptable, and it is preventable.

The Safe Kids Strong Teens education program teaches children to feel powerful in their own bodies, and to define the boundaries that feel safe to them.  It supports them in dealing with bullying, and helps them to identify what they deserve in a healthy relationship.  In a time where our culture is suffering from pervasive sexual and intimate partner violence, I don't think we can minimize the importance of prevention education and the impact it can have on our community.  I am so proud to be a part of supporting this program, and I hope you will join me by donating and/or telling a friend.  Thank you!

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!